CN105549755A - Key including capacitive sensor - Google Patents
Key including capacitive sensor Download PDFInfo
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- CN105549755A CN105549755A CN201510705741.4A CN201510705741A CN105549755A CN 105549755 A CN105549755 A CN 105549755A CN 201510705741 A CN201510705741 A CN 201510705741A CN 105549755 A CN105549755 A CN 105549755A
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- China
- Prior art keywords
- keycap
- input devices
- keyboard input
- button
- button assembly
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
- H03K17/94—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
- H03K17/965—Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch
- H03K17/975—Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch using a capacitive movable element
- H03K17/98—Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch using a capacitive movable element having a plurality of control members, e.g. keyboard
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
- G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
- G06F3/044—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K2217/00—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00
- H03K2217/94—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00 characterised by the way in which the control signal is generated
- H03K2217/96—Touch switches
- H03K2217/9607—Capacitive touch switches
- H03K2217/960755—Constructional details of capacitive touch and proximity switches
- H03K2217/960775—Emitter-receiver or "fringe" type detection, i.e. one or more field emitting electrodes and corresponding one or more receiving electrodes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K2217/00—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00
- H03K2217/94—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00 characterised by the way in which the control signal is generated
- H03K2217/965—Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch
- H03K2217/9651—Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch the moving element acting on a force, e.g. pressure sensitive element
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
Abstract
A keyboard input device including a plurality of key assemblies, at least one of the key assemblies comprising: a key cap having a top surface configured to be pressed by a user; a rigid conductive substrate (e.g., metal) coupled to a bottom surface of the key cap; a translation mechanism configured to allow translation of the key responsive to user input; and a capacitive sensor substrate disposed between the key cap and the rigid conductive substrate, the capacitive sensor substrate comprising a plurality of sensor electrodes configured to detect input objects in a sensing region of the key assembly.
Description
Technical field
The present invention relates generally to a kind of electron device, relates more specifically to a kind of keyboard, and it has the integrated capacitive sensor for the position of sensing finger in key cap surface.
Background technology
Touch-surface (touch-surface that can be pressed) can be pressed and be widely used in various input equipment, comprise as miniature keyboard or the button of keyboard or the surface of button and the surface as touch pad or touch-screen.Expect the availability improving these input systems.
Fig. 2 shows the curve Figure 200 of the exemplary haptic response curve be associated with " bullet is locked (the snapover) " haptic response found in the many buttons enabled with metal spring dome or rubber calotte.Specifically, curve Figure 200 describes the power that applied user by the touch-surface of button and the amount by bond shifting (relative to not movement depressed position).The power applied user can be making a concerted effort or a part of making a concerted effort along specific direction (such as plus or minus pressing direction).Equally, button displacement can be total amount along the key stroke of specific direction (such as plus or minus pressing direction) or a part.
Force curve 210 shows four key press states 212,214,216,218, and it is described different portraying of button displacement by four rubber calotte.When not applying pressing force to button and button is in position (that is, " preparation " position) of not pressing, state 212 that button is in " pressing ".In response to pressing input, button initially makes response to some by bond shifting with to the reacting force of the increase that user applies.This reacting force increases, until the local reaching " peak value " state 214 maximum " peak force " F along with the increase of button displacement
1till.At peak state 214, metal spring dome is about to upspring or rubber calotte is about to retract.When keycap, spring dome or rubber calotte or along with other button assemblies of keycap together movement are with Local Minimum " contact force " F
2with the base portion (or attaching to the assembly of base portion) of button formed initial physical contact time, state 216 that button is in " contact ".When button through " contact " state and rubber calotte in the button such as enabled by compressing rubber dome and occur machinery touch the bottom and bounce back up time, state 218 that button is in " bottom ".
The response of bullet lock is defined by the shape of reacting force curve, and reacting force curve is by the impact of the variablees such as the rate of change of such as crest and trough and relevant amplitude.Peak force F
1with contact force F
2difference can be referred to as " spring "." spring constant " can be confirmed as (F
1-F
2)/F
1if (or need the measured value of percentage type, then can be confirmed as 100 × (F
1-F
2)/F
1).
Keyboard known at present typically comprises attachment feature, such as links up with, its bottom surface being formed in button for being attached to plane translation mechanism, such as ramp, four-bar mechanism, scissors mechanism.When capacitive transducer substrate attaches to the bottom surface of keycap, sensor base plate typically comprises the space that attachment feature extends through, and causes the electric capacity response of sensor to there is the unevenness of local.
Therefore the method and apparatus overcoming these deficiencies is needed.
Summary of the invention
Provide a kind of capacitive touch sensors, it allows on single button, and (wide) button expanded at such as space bar (spacebar), carriage return (Enter) key, gearshift (Shift) key etc. such as, realize multiple input function.This can by determining that pointing (or other input modes) position on keytop in keystroke process realizes.Corresponding icon can be used for distinguishing the one or more positions (region) on expansion keytop.Which eliminate and the expansion buttons such as such as space bar are split as multiple button physically to provide the needs of multiple input function.
Button assembly comprises continuous (substantially continual) the capacitive touch screen substrate between bottom surface and film metal substrate being clipped in keycap.Eliminate stiffener and attachment feature by the bottom surface from keycap, sensor base plate can be close to below keycap.The attachment feature be associated below with keycap in the past and stiffener are integrated on film metal.In addition, this film metal can ground connection or remain constant voltage potential, effectively by sensor base plate with the undesired electrical Interference of other electric components is isolated.
Accompanying drawing explanation
Describe exemplary embodiment of the present invention below in conjunction with accompanying drawing, unless otherwise stated, accompanying drawing not drawn on scale, Reference numeral identical in the drawings represents identical element, and:
Fig. 1 shows the exemplary keyboard of one or more embodiments of the touch-surface based on button be incorporated to according to technical construction described in literary composition;
Fig. 2 is the curve map of the exemplary haptic response of characteristic as the many buttons enabled with metal spring dome or rubber calotte;
Fig. 3 A-3B is the simplified side view of the first exemplary touch surface component according to technical construction described in literary composition;
Fig. 4 shows the exploded view of the exemplary keyboard according to technology described in literary composition;
Fig. 5 is the schematic layout figure comprising the exemplary extended button assembly of movable keycap and two capacitive transducers according to technology described in literary composition;
Fig. 6 is the planimetric map with the bottom (bottom surface) of traditional scissors keycap of buckle-type (snapin) stiffener according to technology described in literary composition;
Fig. 7 is having buckle-type stiffener and comprising the planimetric map of the bottom (bottom surface) of traditional scissors keycap of the hook stretched out from it for being attached button travel mechanism further according to technology described in literary composition;
Fig. 8 be according to technology described in literary composition comprise for hold: i) buckle-type stiffener and ii) for being attached to the planimetric map of the capacitive transducer substrate in the hole of the hook of button mobile link;
Fig. 9 comprises keycap, continuous capacitance sensor and the stacked exploded view of the button assembly of thin film metal layer of clipping together according to technology described in literary composition;
Figure 10 is showing the perspective layout of the thin film metal layer according to the hook for button mobile link of technology described in literary composition and Fig. 8 of outstanding stiffener;
Figure 11 is the stacked skeleton view of the button assembly of the Fig. 8 illustrated according to the assembling of technology described in literary composition completely; And
Figure 12 is the schematic layout figure of the multi-functional space bar according to technology described in literary composition.
Embodiment
It is exemplary for the following specifically describes only actually, and has no intention restriction the present invention or application of the present invention and use.
Keyboard generally includes attachment feature (such as, hook, mating feature etc.), and it stretches out from the bottom surface of button for being attached the various mechanisms being convenient to keystroke motion.These mechanisms can comprise ramp and four-bar mechanism in thin touch application, and can comprise scissors mechanism in more traditional keyboard applications.Such as the button of space bar (spacebar) and wide such as shift key (shiftkey) grade also can comprise for buckle-type wire rod to strengthen the hook of the integral rigidity of button assembly.
In some applications, to expect conformal capacitive touch screen substrate attachment to the bottom surface of keycap with the position of sensing finger on one or more regions of key cap surface, particularly for the wide button of such as space bar or shift key.This just requires that sensor base plate comprises hole, and above-mentioned hook extends through this hole to facilitate attachment pressing movement connecting rod and stiffener.These uncontinuities of sensor base plate can produce local unevenness in the electric capacity response of touch sensor.
In order to alleviate the heterogeneity of sensor base plate, various embodiment provides a kind of continuous print (that is, unremitting) sensor base plate and has the keycap of smooth continuous lower surface, the hook that this lower surface is not associated with current known keycap.Whether such layout allows sensor base plate to be close to the bottom surface of keycap, cause existing at button end face finger making the response of uniform electric capacity.Film metal substrate is placed on sensor base plate, sensor base plate is clipped between the bottom surface of keycap and film metal.In order to allow attachment pressing movement connecting rod, this film metal substrate comprises the attachment feature, extension and the stiffener that are previously associated with keycap bottom surface.
Various embodiment of the present invention provides a kind of input equipment and method, and it is convenient to realize the availability improved, thinner equipment, more easily assembling, more low cost, more flexibly industrial design or its combination.These input equipments and method comprise depressible touch-surface, and it can be bonded in any amount of equipment.As some example, depressible touch-surface may be implemented as touch pad, touch-screen, button, the surface of button and the surface of any other suitable input equipment.Like this, the personal computer of all size and dimensions can be comprised, such as desktop computer, notebook computer, net book, super, panel computer, electronic reader, personal digital assistant (PDA) and comprise the mobile phone of smart mobile phone in conjunction with some limiting examples of the equipment of depressible touch-surface.Additional exemplary equipment comprises data input device (comprise Long-distance Control, integrated keypad or the keyboard such as in portable computer or peripheral hardware keyboard or the keyboard such as configured in panel computer lid or independently keyboard, control panel and computer mouse) and data output apparatus (comprising display screen and printer).Other examples comprise remote terminal, self-service terminal, point-of-sale device, video game machine (such as, video game console, portable game device etc.) and media device (comprising sound-track engraving apparatus, editing machine and player, such as televisor, Set Top Box, music player, digital album (digital photo frame) and digital camera).
Discussion herein mainly concentrates on rectangular touch surface.But the touch-surface in many embodiments can comprise other shapes.Exemplary shape comprise triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, have other limit numbers polygon, be similar to the polygonal shape with fillet or non-linear limit, the shape with curve, elongated circle or oval circle, there is the combination present situation of a part for above-mentioned any shape, the molded non-planar with recessed or convex feature and any other suitable shape.
In addition, be positioned on the top of the rigid body carrying out rigid motion although discussion herein mainly concentrates on touch-surface, some embodiments can comprise the touch-surface be positioned on the flexible body top of distortion." rigid motion " is used for representing with the translation of whole main body or rotating to be main motion in the text, and wherein the distortion of main body is negligible.Therefore, the change of the distance between any two set points of touch-surface than the translation of main body or the associated volume of rotation much smaller.
In addition, in various embodiments, depressible touch-surface can comprise the opaque section stopping that light passes through and the translucent or transparent part allowing light to pass through, or both.
Fig. 1 shows and is incorporated to according to multiple (two or more) of technical construction described in literary composition based on can the exemplary keyboard 100 of touch-surface of pressing keys.Exemplary keyboard 100 comprises the several row buttons 120 surrounded by key panel (bezel) 130 of different size.Keyboard 100 has QWERTY layout, even if button 120 marks like this not according in Fig. 1.Other keyboard embodiments can comprise different physical button shapes, button size, key position or directed or different key arrangements, such as DVORAK layout or the layout that designs for special applications or non-english languages.In certain embodiments, it is the keycap of rigid body that button 120 comprises, and such as has the width larger than the degree of depth (as explained below along the degree of depth of Z-direction) and the stiff rectangular body of range.In addition, it is single based on can the touch-surface of pressing keys that other keyboard embodiments can comprise according to technical construction described in literary composition, and other button other technologies of these other keyboard embodiments are constructed.
Here composition graphs 1 introduces directional terminology, but unless otherwise stated, is also generally applicable to other discussion and other accompanying drawings in literary composition.This term introduction also comprises the direction be associated with any cartesian coordinate system.Arrow 110 indicates the positive dirction of cartesian coordinate system, but does not indicate the initial point of coordinate system.Understand the technology discussed in literary composition and will not need the definition of initial point.
The face comprising the keyboard 100 of the exposure touch-surface being configured to be depressed by the user is called " top " 102 of keyboard 100 in the text.Adopt the Cartesian coordinates direction indicated by arrow 110, the top 102 of keyboard 100 is in positive Z-direction relative to the bottom 103 of keyboard 100.When keyboard 100 uses on the top of table top, the usual part closer to user's body of keyboard 100 is called " front portion " 104 of keyboard 100.In QWERTY layout, the closer space bar in front portion 104 of keyboard 100 and comparatively away from alphanumeric key.Adopt the Cartesian coordinates direction indicated by arrow 110, the front portion 104 of keyboard 100 is in positive X-direction relative to the rear portion 105 of keyboard 100.Use in orientation typical, wherein the top 102 of keyboard 100 faces up and front portion 104 user oriented of keyboard 100, and " right side " 106 of keyboard 100 is in the right of user.Adopt the Cartesian coordinates direction indicated by arrow 110, the right side 106 of keyboard 100 is in positive Y-direction relative to " left side " 107 of keyboard 100.According to top 102 thus defined, anterior 104 and right side 106, also " bottom " 103 of definable keyboard 100, " rear portion " 105 and " left side " 107.
Use this term, to the pressing direction of keyboard 100 be in negative Z-direction or towards keyboard 100 bottom straight down.X-direction and Y-direction orthogonal and with pressing direction orthogonal.The combination of X-direction and Y-direction can define the additional lateral direction of the unlimited amount being orthogonal to pressing direction.Therefore, exemplary horizontal direction comprises X-direction (positive and negative), Y-direction (positive and negative) and component in X direction with Y-direction but not along the combination horizontal direction of Z-direction.The component motion of these horizontal directions any is called as " plane " sometimes in the text because such transverse motion components can be considered to be in be orthogonal to pressing direction plane in.
The some or all of key structures of keyboard 100 are move between respective non-pressing position and pressing position, and non-pressing position and pressing position edge press direction and be orthogonal to the horizontal direction pressing direction spaced apart.That is, the touch-surface of these buttons shows and has moving along the component bearing Z-direction and horizontal direction.In example described in the text, cross stream component is usually along positive X-direction or negative X-direction so that understand.But, in various embodiments, and optionally redirect selection key element, the lateral separation between non-pressing position and pressing position can separately along positive X-direction or negative X-direction, separately along positive Y-direction or negative Y-direction or along have in X direction with the combinations of directions of Y-direction component.
Therefore, these buttons of keyboard 100 can be described to show never pressing position and move to " diagonal line " of pressing position.This diagonal motion comprises the motion of " Z " (or vertical) translational component and horizontal (or plane) translational component.Because the generation of this plane translation is along with the vertical stroke of touch-surface, therefore it can be called as " the plane translation response to vertical stroke " or " vertically-infeed stroke of touch-surface.”
Some embodiments of keyboard 100 comprise the keyboard with horizontal button, this horizontal button when being pressed between the normal operating period by its each vertically-infeed stroke time keep approximate horizontal orientation.That is, the keycap (and then being the touch-surface of these buttons) of these horizontal buttons shows along the very little rotation of any axis in response to the pressing occurred between the normal operating period or does not rotate.Therefore, keycap exist very little or there is no rolling, tilt, deflect and the touch-surface be associated never pressing position to pressing position moving period between keep relative level and substantially identical orientation.
In various embodiments, the transverse movement be associated with vertically-infeed stroke can press the vertical stroke of direction specified rate total key stroke by increasing edge improves the touch feeling of button.In various embodiments, vertically-infeed stroke also strengthens touch feeling by giving touch-surface to user than the actual perception travelling larger vertical distance.Such as, the cross stream component of vertically-infeed stroke can apply tangential friction force to the finger pad skin contacted with touch-surface, and causes the distortion of skin and finger pad, and this perceived as extra vertical stroke.Then this generates the factile illusion of larger vertically stroke.In certain embodiments, button is turned back to non-pressing position from pressing position by backhaul and also relate to the vertical stroke using transverse movement simulation larger.
Vertically-infeed stroke is enabled in order to make the button 120 of keyboard 100, button 120 is parts of button assembly, and each part comprises and realizing plane translation, preparing button 120 and mechanism button 120 being turned back to non-pressing position by the keycap be associated being remained on non-pressing position.Some embodiments also comprise makes keycap mechanism to maintain the level.Some embodiments utilize the independent mechanism for each function to realize these functions, and some embodiments utilize same mechanism to realize two or more functions in these functions.Such as, " bias voltage " mechanism can provide preparatory function, returns function or preparation and return function.The mechanism preparing and return function is provided to be called " prepare/return " mechanism in the text.As another example, complanation/plane translation produces mechanism can complanation and produce plane translation.As other example, other combinations of function can be provided by same mechanism.
Keyboard 100 can use any suitable technology for detecting the pressing of the button of keyboard 100.Such as, keyboard 100 can adopt the key switch matrix based on traditional resistor membrane switch technology.Key switch matrix can be positioned at the below of button 120 and be configured to produce the signal indicating key press when pressing keys 120.Optionally, exemplary keyboard 100 can adopt other key press detection technique to detect any change be associated with the position of button 120 or the tiny of motion or coarse variations.Exemplary key pressing detection technology comprises various electric capacity, resistance, inductance, magnetic, power or pressure, linear or angular strain or displacement, temperature, the sense of hearing, ultrasound wave, optics and other proper technologies.According to these technology many, one or more that preset or variable threshold value can be defined to identify pressing and release.
As instantiation, capacitance sensor electrodes can be arranged on the below of touch-surface, and detects the capacitance variations caused due to the change of the pressed state of touch-surface.Capacitance sensor electrodes can adopt " self-capacitance " (or " absolute capacitance ") method for sensing based on the capacity coupled change between sensor electrode and touch-surface.In certain embodiments, this touch-surface is partly or entirely conduction, or conducting element is attached on the touch surface and remains constant voltage, such as system earth polar.Electric field near sensor electrode below the change in location change touch-surface of touch-surface, thus the capacitive coupling measured by changing.In one embodiment, absolute capacitance method for sensing when capacitance sensor electrodes be positioned at there is touch-surface assembly under operate, relative to reference voltage (such as, system earth polar) modulation sensor electrode, and the capacitive coupling detected between this sensor electrode and the assembly with touch-surface is for measuring the pressed state of touch-surface.
Some capacitance implementation adopt " mutual capacitance " (or " leap electric capacity ") method for sensing based on the capacity coupled change between sensor electrode.In various embodiments, the electric field of touch-surface between the near-end change sensor electrode of sensor electrode, thus the capacitive coupling measured by changing.Touch-surface can be conduction or non-conductive, electrically driven (operated) or floating, as long as its motion can cause the capacitive coupling between sensor electrode to produce measurable change.In some embodiments, cross over capacitive sensing method to be operated by the capacitive coupling detected between one or more emitter transducer electrode (also referred to as " transmitter ") and one or more receiver sensor electrode (also referred to as " receiver ").Emitter transducer electrode can be modulated to relative to reference voltage (such as, system earth polar) and transmit.Receiver sensor electrode can keep substantially constant relative to reference voltage so that receive the signal produced.The signal produced can comprise the effect (several effect) corresponding to one or more launcher signal and/or the one or more sources (such as, other electromagnetic signals) corresponding to environmental interference.Sensor electrode can be special transmitter or receiver, or can be configured to not only launch but also receive.
In one embodiment, cross over capacitive sensing method and be positioned under touch-surface two capacitance sensor electrodes, that is, operate when a transmitter and a receiver.The signal of the generation received by receiver is subject to the impact of the position of launcher signal and touch-surface.
In certain embodiments, the sensing system for detecting touch-surface pressing can also detect pre-pressing.Such as, capacitive sensor system can also detect user's hovering on the touch surface but do not contact touch-surface.As another example, capacitive sensor system also can detect user and touch touch-surface gently, makes user carry out non-pushed contact to touch-surface and fully can not press touch-surface so that be regarded as pressing.
Some embodiments are configured to the amount from power, the effect of sensor signal being measured to the power to touch-surface applying.That is, the amount of recess of touch-surface is relevant to one or more particular sensor reading, can determine the amount of pressing force like this from sensor reading (or several reading).The system of these types can by distinguish following in two or more and different responses made to it support that multistage touch-surface inputs: the pressing of noncontact hovering, non-pushed contact and, two or more grades.
In certain embodiments, the substrate for sensing also is used to provide the backlight be associated with touch-surface.As concrete example, in certain embodiments, utilize the capacitive transducer under touch-surface, capacitance sensor electrodes is arranged on transparent or semitransparent circuit substrate, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), other polymkeric substance or glass.Some embodiment in those embodiments uses circuit substrate as a part for light-conducting system, for illuminating the symbol seen by touch-surface from behind.
Fig. 1 also show the profile line A-A' of the button 122 relative to keyboard 100, will discuss below.
Keyboard 100 can be coupled with the mode that can communicate and disposal system 190 by communication channel 192.It can be wired or wireless for connecting 192.Disposal system 190 can comprise one or more IC (integrated circuit), it has the executable instruction of suitable processor for operation keyboard 100, such as operation push-button compression sensor, for the treatment of sensor signal, for making the instruction of response etc. to key press.In certain embodiments, keyboard 100 is integrated in kneetop computer or panel computer lid, and disposal system 190 comprises the IC containing following instruction, described command operating keyboard sensor, to determine the degree that button is touched or presses, and provide the instruction of touch or pressed state to the host CPU of kneetop computer or panel computer or the user of kneetop computer or panel computer provided to the instruction of touch or pressed state.
Although directional terminology discussed here, vertically-infeed stroke, detection technology and embodiment are selected to concentrate on keyboard 100, these discussion are easy to be extrapolated to other touch-surfaces described in literary composition and equipment.
According to the various embodiments of technology described in literary composition, comprise the embodiment without metal spring dome or rubber calotte, provide the force-responsive curve of the curve 210 be similar in Fig. 2.Many tactile keyboard button employings are not less than 0.4 and are not more than the spring constant of 0.6.Other tactile keyboard buttons can be used in the spring constant beyond these scopes, are such as not less than 0.3 and are not more than 0.5, are not less than 0.5 and are not more than 0.7.
Other embodiments provide other response curves with other shapes, comprise and having linearly or the response curve of nonlinear power and key stroke relation.Exemplary nonlinear relation comprise segmentation linearly, comprise linear processes part or there is the relation of slope of constantly change.Force-responsive curve also can be nonmonotonic, dull or strictly monotone.
Such as, the button 120 made according to technology described in literary composition can be configured to the response shown in offer curves 210 or any suitable response curve.The reacting force that user is applied can relative to total key stroke amount, along pressing direction key stroke amount or transversely direction key stroke amount linearly or non-linear increase.As instantiation, applied force can increase until relative to the power of its non-pressing position or the first amount of button movement with constant-slope relative to key stroke amount, then reaches balance (with constant force) or reduces to the second amount of power or button movement.
Fig. 3 A-3B is the simplification viewgraph of cross-section of the first exemplary touch surface component.Button assembly 300 can be used for realizing various button, comprises the button 122 of keyboard 100.In the present embodiment, wherein Fig. 3 A-3B depicts button 122, the figures illustrate the A-A' sectional view of button 122.Fig. 3 A shows exemplary key assembly 300 and is in non-pressing position and Fig. 3 B shows same button assembly 300 is in pressing position.Button assembly 300 also can be used for using other equipment of button, comprises the equipment of other keyboards except keyboard 100 and any other suitable use button.In addition, the assembly being similar to button assembly 300 can be used for enabling non-button touch-surface component, such as button, opaque touch pad, touch-screen or the touch-surface component described in any literary composition.
Button assembly 300 comprises visible to user and is configured to the keycap 310, preparation/gigback 320 and the pedestal 340 that are depressed by the user.The non-pressing position of keycap 310 and pressing position edge press direction and are orthogonal to the first horizontal direction pressing direction spaced apart.Pressing direction is similar at the pressing movement not having to find in the conventional keyboard of horizontal pressing movement, along negative Z-direction and be the Main way of pressing and pressing movement.In many keyboards, pressing direction is orthogonal to the touch-surface of keycap or the pedestal of button, and user can be thought, and pressing direction will be downward towards pedestal.
The parts of button assembly 300 can be made up of any suitable material, comprise the plastics such as such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) (ABS), nylon and acetal, the such as metal such as steel and aluminium, the elastic bodys such as such as rubber, and other various materials.In various embodiments, keycap 310 is configured to be rigidity substantially, and the touch-surface of keycap 310 is seemed on naked eyes sense organ in the normal operation period along with it moves together with the rigid motion between pressing position at non-pressing position.
Preparation/gigback 320 is that a kind of providing prepares and return function " bias mechanism ".Physics bias voltage keycap 310 during the operation at least partially that preparation/gigback 320 operates at key press.It should be noted that, the mechanism only providing preparatory function or return function also can be called as " bias mechanism ", if its bias voltage keycap 310 during the operation at least partially of key press operation.Preparation/gigback 320 is configured to keycap 310 to be remained on non-pressing position and makes keycap 310 prepare to be depressed by the user.In addition, preparation/gigback 320 is also configured to, in response to the release of the pressing force to keycap 310, keycap 310 is partly or entirely back to non-pressing position.The release of pressing force can be the removal of pressing force, or enough reductions of pressing force make button assembly keycap 310 can be back to non-pressing position according to normal running.In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, this button assembly 300 utilizes magnetic coupling parts 322,324 to form preparation/gigback 320.Magnetic coupling parts 322,324 can include magnet, or one of them can comprise magnet and another comprises the magnetic couplings material of such as ferrous material etc.Although magnetic coupling parts 322,324 are all shown as single rectangular shape, any one or two magnetic coupling parts 322,324 can comprise non-rectangular cross-section (or several xsect) or comprise multiple magnetic coupling subassemblies with identical or different xsect.Such as, magnetic coupling parts 322 or 324 can comprise the magnetic box-shaped subassembly that the middle body against irony U-shaped subassembly is arranged.
In some embodiments, magnetic coupling parts 324 are attached to panel or the pedestal of close keycap 310 physically.Magnetic coupling parts 322 are attached to keycap physically and with magnetic coupling parts 324, magnetic interaction occur.The physical attachment of magnetic coupling parts 322,324 can be direct or indirectly (indirectly by one or more intermediate member), and can by press fit, bonding agent or any other technology or technology groups is incompatible completes.Amount keycap overcoming the pressing force needed for magnetic coupling (such as, overcoming magnetic pull or repulsion) can customize based on the size of involved magnetic coupling parts 322,324, type, shape and position.
Button assembly 300 comprises plane translation effect (PTE) mechanism 330, and it is configured to apply plane translation when keycap 310 moves between non-pressing position and pressing position to keycap 310, and the nonzero component of transverse movement is occurred.PTE mechanism 330 is formed by a part for keycap 310 and pedestal 340, and comprises four ramps (two ramps 331,332 are visible in Fig. 3 A-B) be arranged on pedestal 340.These four ramps are positioned to make four ramps near the bight of keycap 310 when assembling button assembly 300.In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 A-B, these four ramps (comprising ramp 331,332) are simple, the planar ramp that tilts with the angled location of pedestal 340.These four ramps (comprising ramp 331,332) are configured to the corresponding ramp contact characteristic (two ramp contact characteristics 311,312 are visible in Fig. 3 A-B) that physical contact is arranged at keycap 310 bottom side.The ramp contact characteristic of keycap 310 can be any suitable shape, comprises the ramp with the ramp mating shapes on pedestal 340.
In response to the pressing force applied downwards along the touch-surface of pressing direction to keycap 310, the ramp (comprising ramp 331,332) on pedestal 340 provides reacting force.These reacting forces are perpendicular to ramp and comprise cross stream component, and it causes keycap 310 to show transverse movement.Ramp and some maintenances of closing with other mate features in panel or other suitable parts (not shown) or alignment feature contribute to making keycap 310 maintenance level.That is, when keycap 310 never advance to pressing position by pressing position, they make keycap 310 keep departing from ramp and being substantially in identical orientation.
As shown in figures 3 a-b, keycap 310 is mobile along pressing direction (negative Z-direction) in response to the enough large pressing force applied the top of keycap 310.As a result, keycap 310 due to the reacting force that is associated with ramp transversely direction (positive X-direction) and to press direction (negative Z-direction) mobile.Along with keycap 310 never pressing position move to pressing position, the ramp contact characteristic (such as, 311,312) of keycap 310 rides on the ramp (such as, 331,332) of pedestal 340.This motion of keycap 310 makes magnetic coupling parts 322,324 relative to each other move, and changes its magnetic interaction.
Fig. 3 B shows the keycap 310 being in pressing position.For button assembly 300, when keycap 310 contacts pedestal 340 or mobile enough far away so that when being sensed to be key press directly or indirectly, keycap 310 moves to pressing position.The sensor (or several sensor) of the not shown pressed state for detecting keycap 310 of Fig. 3 A-B, this sensor (or several sensor) can based on any suitable technology, as discussed above.
When pressing force is released, keycap 310 is back to its non-pressing position by preparation/gigback 320.Attractive force between magnetic coupling parts 322,324 retracts keycap 310 towards non-pressing position makes it return from ramp (comprising ramp 331,322).
Many embodiments of magnetic force are used to have employed permanent magnet.Exemplary permanent magnet comprises (order according to arriving the most by force most low field strength): neodymium iron boron, SmCo, alnico alloy and pottery.Neodymium series magnet is rare-earth magnet, and is the very strong magnet be made up of the alloy of rare earth element.Optionally embodiment comprises other rare-earth magnets, non-rare earth permanent magnets and electromagnet.
Although button assembly 300 utilizes magnetic coupling parts to be formed preparation/gigback 320, also various other technologies of alternative or additional use except this magnetic technique in other embodiments.In addition, independent mechanism can be used for realizing preparing and returning function respectively.Such as, one or more mechanism can keep keycap to be in ready position and keycap can be turned back to its ready position by other mechanisms one or more.Other prepare, return or prepares/and the example of gigback comprises flexing elastic construction, spring metal dome, deflects the elastic cord, bending cantilever beam etc. of plasticity or metal spring, stretching.In addition, in certain embodiments, preparation/gigback promotion (instead of pulling) keycap 310 moves to pressing position to resist keycap or keycap is turned back to non-pressing position.Such embodiment can use any other suitable technology of magnetic repulsion or applied thrust.
Many modification or the condiment of the parts of button assembly 300 are possible.Such as, other embodiments can comprise less or more parts.As instantiation, another button assembly can be incorporated to the extra aesthetics of any amount or functional parts.Some embodiment comprises the panel providing following function, and such as some button assembly hiding is not in sight, the miscellaneous part of protection button assembly, the touch-surface helping maintenance or guiding button assembly or some other function.
As another example, other embodiments can comprise different keycaps, prepare mechanism, gigback, PTE mechanism, horizontal mechanism or pedestal.As instantiation, keycap 310, pedestal 340 or unshowned other parts can comprise projection, depression or contribute to guiding or keeping other features of keycap 310.As another instantiation, some embodiment suitably uses non-ramp technology or (or other) ramp to affect plane translation.The example of other PTE mechanisms comprises various push and pull system, cam, hook groove, bearing surface and other motion alignment feature.
As another one example, although PTE mechanism 330 is shown as making ramp to be arranged on pedestal 340 and makes ramp contact characteristic be arranged on keycap 310 in Fig. 3 A-B, other embodiments can make one or more ramp be arranged on keycap 310 and ramp contact characteristic is arranged on pedestal 340.In addition, PTE mechanism 330 is shown as ramp 331,332 and has simple rampway profile in Fig. 3 A-B.But, in various embodiments, PTE mechanism 330 can adopt other profiles, comprises that those have linearly, the profile of piecewise linearity or non-linear cross-section, those have simple or complicated curve or the profile of curved surface, or those comprise the profile of various convex and concave feature.Similarly, the ramp contact characteristic on keycap 310 can be simple or complicated, and can comprise linear, piecewise linear or nonlinear cross section.As some instantiation, ramp contact characteristic can comprise simple ramp, part sphere, cylinder section etc.In addition, the ramp contact characteristic on keycap 310 can form point, line or face with the ramp (comprising ramp 331,332) on pedestal 340 and contact.In literary composition, " ramping profile " is used for representing the profile for the surface in any ramp of PTE mechanism.In certain embodiments, single keyboard can adopt multiple different ramping profile to think the haptic response that different buttons provides different.
As further example, make the embodiment of its touch-surface maintenance level can use various complanation technology, it does not use, partly use or all use the PTE mechanism of associating.
Fig. 4 shows the exploded view of the exemplary keyboard structure 400 according to technology described in literary composition.The structure being similar to keyboard structure 400 can be used to implement any amount of different keyboard, comprises keyboard 100.From the order of the top-to-bottom of keyboard, panel 420 comprises multiple hole, can be touched the keycap 410 of various sizes by this some holes in general assembly.Magnetic coupling parts 422,424 attach to keycap 410 or pedestal 440 respectively.Pedestal 440 comprises multiple PTE mechanism (being depicted as simple rectangle on pedestal 440), and it is configured to the motion guiding keycap 410.Be key sensor 450 under pedestal 440, it comprises setting one or more layers circuit on one or more substrates.
For the ease of understanding, various details is simplified.Such as, components bonding bonding agent together can be used to not to be shown.In addition, various embodiment can than having more or less parts shown in keyboard structure 400, or each parts can by different orders.Such as, pedestal and key sensor 450 can be combined into parts, or exchange in lamination order.
Fig. 5 is the schematic layout figure comprising the exemplary extended button assembly of movable keycap according to technology described in literary composition, and this movable keycap has two (or more the) capacitive transducers of the below being arranged at keycap bottom surface.More specifically, exemplary key assembly 500 comprises movable keycap 504, defines transmitter electrode 514 and the receiver electrode 512 of the first pixel 510, wherein the first pixel 510 is configured to detect near the first area 530 of keycap 504 with or without finger, and the definition transmitter electrode 524 of the second pixel 520 and receiver electrode 522, wherein the second pixel 520 is configured to detect second area 532 near keycap 504 with or without finger.Each pixel 510,520 is configured to detect on the corresponding region of key cap surface or near this region with or without finger.Two or more pixels can be used for detecting the slip finger motion in key cap surface or gesture together.As discussed in more detail below, pixel 510,520 can be formed as a part for the sensor base plate 507 of the bottom surface (bottom side) 505 adhering to keycap 504.
The ability determining to point position on keytop allows the disposal system that is associated with keyboard to determine the multiple input functions for single button according to the position pointed during keystroke on keycap.Such as, under the first mode of exemplary embodiment, when space bar is pressed regardless of pointing the position on space bar, this button all serves as space bar.Under the second mode, same space bar can in the upper icon differentiation different with two (or more) of two of space bar (or more) correspondence position (region).Therefore, if finger is positioned at first area when pressing keys, then disposal system determines the first input function.On the other hand, if finger is positioned at second area when pressing keys, then disposal system determines the second input function.And then this allows space bar or other wide keys (also referred to as expansion button) to perform multiple input function, as being described in more detail in conjunction with Figure 10 below.
Fig. 6 is the planimetric map of the bottom (bottom side) of exemplary traditional scissors keycap 600 (such as, space bar) with buckle-type stiffener.More specifically, as known in the art, many wire rods 602 utilize clip or hook 604 to attach to the bottom side surface of keycap 600.Hook 604 stretches out from the bottom surface of keycap and is fastened thereon by wire rod 602, improves intensity and the rigidity of keycap assembly thus.
Fig. 7 is the planimetric map of the bottom (bottom surface) of keycap 700, keycap 700 is attached with stiffener 702 via hook-shaped extension 704 and has additional hook 706, and additional hook 706 is for being attached the pressing movement mechanisms such as such as ramp, 4 linkages and/or scissors mechanism (in order to clear not shown).Afterbody 708 is configured to sensor electrode (not shown) to attach to disposal system.
Such as the expansion such as space bar button can comprise the electrode for capacitors being configured to detect the position of finger on button.Capacitance sensor electrodes can be arranged on the PET film sensor base plate of laminating keycap bottom side.In order to hold the various hooks for being attached stiffener and pressing movement mechanism, sensing baseplate comprises the interruption that through hole, through hole, hole or other hooks can extend across.But these interruptions can carry out balance sensor performance by localized non-uniformities being introduced sensor response.
Fig. 8 is the planimetric map of capacitive transducer substrate 800, and capacitive transducer substrate 800 comprises the hole 804 for holding buckle-type stiffener and the attachment features 806 for being attached to ramp, connecting rod etc.Sensor base plate 800 also can comprise the afterbody 808 for sensor base plate being connected to processor.As discussed above, the interruption produced by this some holes and localized non-uniformities tend to balance the performance of capacitive transducer.
Fig. 9 is the exploded view comprising the stacked or sandwich construction 900 of the button assembly of keycap 902, the capacitive transducer substrate 904 of basic continous and conductive layer 906 (such as, metal film).This arranges the attachment features allowing the bottom side of keycap not to be associated with the keycap shown in Fig. 7, and sensor base plate can be fitted the smooth bottom surface of keycap.This conformal layout decreases the heterogeneity be associated with former version, improves equipment performance thus.Conveniently be attached stiffener and pressing movement mechanism, thin film metal layer 906 is equipped with attachment features, as below in conjunction with Figure 10 and Figure 11 in greater detail.Although not shown in Fig. 9, insulation course (such as, film substrate) can be arranged between sensor layer 904 and thin film metal layer 906, to prevent less desirable Ohmic contact between sensor and film metal.
Figure 10 is the perspective layout of the thin film metal layer 1000 of the thin film metal layer 906 being substantially similar to Fig. 9, and it comprises the attachment hook 1002 improving the overall construction intensity of obtained button assembly for pressing movement connecting rod and stiffener 1004.In one embodiment, thin film metal layer 1000 comprises rigid plate and basic and sensor base plate co-extensive.Optionally, the comparable sensor base plate of film metal is smaller or greater.
Continue with reference to Figure 10, thin film metal layer 1000 by punching or can be cast as formation hook 1002, and can be highlighted to form stiffener 1004.
Figure 11 is the skeleton view of the button assembly stacked 1100 being substantially similar to stacked 900 of Fig. 9 being depicted as assembled state.More specifically, stacked 1100 comprise keycap 1102, attach to the sensor base plate 1104 of keycap bottom side and cover the thin film metal layer 1106 on sensor base plate.Thin film metal layer 1106 comprises hook 1112 and stiffener 1114.
Figure 12 is the schematic layout figure of a part for the keyboard 1200 comprising multifunction push key (such as, space bar 1202), Fn key 1204 and gear shift (Shift) key 1206.Will be appreciated that the various keyboards seldom used can be integrated on space bar or other expansion buttons.By one or more button being expressed as discrete subregion on space bar, their function can be following and called by completing simultaneously: corresponding subregion i) touching space bar; And ii) press mode key, such as Fn key 1204 and shift 1206.
More specifically and continue with reference to Figure 12, space bar 1202 can be divided into the subregion of any amount, such as subregion 1202A – D.In illustrated example, subregion 1202A can comprise the Part I corresponding to PtrSc key 1206 and the Part II corresponding to SysRq key 1210; Subregion 1202B can comprise the Part I corresponding to ScrLK key 1212 and the Part II corresponding to NumLK key 1214; Subregion 1202C can comprise the Part I corresponding to and suspend (Pause) key 1216 and the Part II corresponding to Break key 1218; And subregion 1202A can comprise the Part I corresponding to and insert (Insert) key 1220 and the Part II corresponding to Alt key 1222.
Because herein is provided a kind of keyboard input devices with multiple button assembly, one of at least comprising of button assembly: keycap, it has the end face being configured to be depressed by the user; Rigid conductive substrate (such as, metal), it is coupled to the bottom surface of keycap; Translation mechanism, it is configured to allow key response translation in user's input; And capacitive transducer substrate, it is arranged between keycap and rigid conductive substrate, and described capacitive transducer substrate comprises the multiple sensor electrodes being configured to detect input object in the sensing region of button assembly.
In one embodiment, translation mechanism is coupled to the bottom surface of keycap.
In one embodiment, at least one button described is selected from by the following button group formed: Tab, CapsLock, Shift, Control, Enter and space bar.
In one embodiment, rigid conductive substrate comprises the conductive coating covering non-conductive substrate (such as, plastics).
In one embodiment, rigid conductive substrate comprises at least one rigidity Enhanced feature, such as the outburst area of rigid conductive substrate.
In one embodiment, rigid conductive substrate comprises the multiple mating features being coupled to translation mechanism for machinery.
In one embodiment, multiple mating feature be configured to be coupled to scissors connecting rod and four-bar mechanism one of at least.
In one embodiment, the basic and capacitive transducer substrate co-extensive of rigid conductive substrate.
In one embodiment, wherein rigid conductive substrate comprises the continuous conduction surface that there is no non-conducting areas.
In one embodiment, sensor base plate is couple to disposal system by correspondence, and disposal system is configured to: absolute capacitance sensing modes or cross over capacitive sensing mode one of at least in operation sensor electrode; Determine the positional information of the input object in the sensing region of button assembly; And determine pressing of button assembly.
In one embodiment, disposal system is configured to determine pressing of button assembly based on the Conducting end portions retainer (endstop) of at least one sensor electrode be arranged on button assembly lower contact capacitive transducer substrate.
In one embodiment, rigid conductive substrate by stretch out from capacitive transducer substrate and with the sensor electrode of rigid conductive substrate Ohmic contact one of them and remain constant potential.
In one embodiment, rigid conductive substrate remains constant potential by the connection with one of the following: the base be associated with input equipment; And system earth polar.
In one embodiment, the end face of keycap comprises the mark of instruction by the following multiple keypad functions enabled: start remodeling button; And from the pressing of input object in the region of the described mark of the covering of keycap.
Additionally provide a kind of keyboard input devices comprising at least one button assembly, described button assembly comprises: keycap, and it has the end face being configured to be depressed by the user; Metallic substrate, it is coupled to the bottom surface of keycap, and described metallic substrate comprises the protruding features for being connected to translation mechanism; Capacitive transducer substrate, it to be arranged between keycap and metallic substrate and to be configured to detect input object in the sensing region of button assembly; And disposal system, it is coupled to capacitive transducer substrate in the mode of communication.Disposal system is configured to: the positional information determining the input object in the sensing region of button assembly; And determine pressing of button assembly.
In one embodiment, at least one button assembly comprises space bar.
Additionally provide a kind of button assembly for keyboard input devices.Button assembly comprises: capacitive transducer substrate, and it comprises the multiple sensor electrode and the first surface with the bottom surface covering keycap that are configured to the input object detected in the sensing region of button assembly; And metallic substrate, it covers and second surface co-extensive that is basic and capacitive transducer substrate, and described metallic substrate comprises the mating feature for being connected to translation mechanism.
Like this, technology described in literary composition can be used for the equipment implementing any amount utilizing different touch-surface component, comprises the various keyboards of the one or more button assemblies had respectively according to technology described in literary composition.Some parts can be shared when multiple touch-surface being placed in same equipment.Such as, pedestal can be shared by two or more touch-surfaces.As another example, carry out shared keystroke sensor by shared sensor substrate, sensor electrode etc.
Embodiment described in literary composition only as an example, can realize many modification.As an example, any suitable feature according to a kind of embodiment can be combined with another feature.As the first instantiation, any one embodiment described in literary composition can adopt or can not adopt sense of touch, aesthetic property or protective seam.As the second instantiation, in various magnetic coupling parts configuration, ferrous material can be used to replace magnet.
In addition, the structure of any function is provided can to comprise the suitable parts of any amount.Such as, same parts can provide level, plane translation effect, prepare and return function key press.As another example, different parts can provide these functions, make first component maintenance level, second component generation plane translation, the 3rd parts prepare and the 4th parts return.As another example, two or more parts can provide identical function.Such as, in certain embodiments, magnet provides and returns function together with spring, or prepares and return function.Therefore, technology described in various embodiments in literary composition can be bonded to each other use, even if this function may be seemingly unnecessary.Such as, some embodiments use spring assist or strengthen the preparation/gigback based on magnetic.
Claims (20)
1. there is a keyboard input devices for multiple button assembly, one of at least comprising of described button assembly:
Keycap, it has the end face being configured to be depressed by the user;
Rigid conductive substrate, it is coupled to the bottom surface of described keycap;
Translation mechanism, it is configured to allow key response translation in user's input; And
Capacitive transducer substrate, it is arranged between described keycap and described rigid conductive substrate, and described capacitive transducer substrate comprises the multiple sensor electrodes being configured to detect input object in the sensing region of described button assembly.
2. keyboard input devices according to claim 1, wherein, described rigid conductive substrate comprises metal.
3. keyboard input devices according to claim 1, wherein, described translation mechanism is coupled to the bottom surface of described keycap.
4. keyboard input devices according to claim 1, wherein, at least one button described is selected from by the following button group formed: Tab, CapsLock, Shift, Control, Enter and space bar.
5. keyboard input devices according to claim 1, wherein, described rigid conductive substrate comprises the conductive coating covering non-conductive substrate.
6. keyboard input devices according to claim 5, wherein, described non-conductive substrate comprises plastics.
7. keyboard input devices according to claim 1, wherein, described rigid conductive substrate comprises at least one rigidity Enhanced feature.
8. keyboard input devices according to claim 7, wherein, described rigidity Enhanced feature comprises the outburst area of described rigid conductive substrate.
9. keyboard input devices according to claim 1, wherein, described rigid conductive substrate comprises the multiple attachment features being coupled to described translation mechanism for machinery.
10. keyboard input devices according to claim 1, wherein, described multiple attachment features be configured to be coupled to scissors connecting rod and four-bar mechanism one of at least.
11. keyboard input devices according to claim 1, wherein, described rigid conductive substrate is basic with described capacitive transducer substrate co-extensive.
12. keyboard input devices according to claim 11, wherein, described rigid conductive substrate comprises the continuous conduction surface that there is no non-conducting areas.
13. keyboard input devices according to claim 1, wherein, described sensor base plate is couple to disposal system by correspondence, and described disposal system is configured to:
Absolute capacitance sensing modes or cross over capacitive sensing mode one of at least in the described sensor electrode of operation;
Determine the positional information of the input object in the sensing region of described button assembly; And
Determine pressing of described button assembly.
14. keyboard input devices according to claim 1, wherein, described disposal system is configured to determine pressing of described button assembly based on the Conducting end portions retainer of at least one sensor electrode be arranged on capacitive transducer substrate described in described button assembly lower contact.
15. keyboard input devices according to claim 1, wherein, described rigid conductive substrate by stretch out from described capacitive transducer substrate and with the sensor electrode of described rigid conductive substrate Ohmic contact one of them and remain constant potential.
16. keyboard input devices according to claim 15, wherein, described rigid conductive substrate remains constant potential by the connection with one of the following: the base be associated with described input equipment; And system earth polar.
17. keyboard input devices according to claim 1, wherein, the end face of described keycap comprises the mark of instruction by the following multiple keypad functions enabled: start remodeling button; And from the pressing of input object in the region of the described mark of the covering of described keycap.
18. 1 kinds of keyboard input devices comprising at least one button assembly, described button assembly comprises:
Keycap, it has the end face being configured to be depressed by the user;
Metallic substrate, it is coupled to the bottom surface of described keycap, and described metallic substrate comprises the protruding features for being connected to translation mechanism;
Capacitive transducer substrate, it to be arranged between described keycap and described metallic substrate and to be configured to detect input object in the sensing region of described button assembly; And
Disposal system, it is coupled to described capacitive transducer substrate in the mode of communication and is configured to:
Determine the positional information of the input object in the sensing region of described button assembly; And
Determine pressing of described button assembly.
19. keyboard input devices according to claim 18, wherein, at least one button assembly described comprises space bar.
20. 1 kinds of button assemblies for keyboard input devices, described button assembly comprises:
Capacitive transducer substrate, it comprises multiple sensor electrode of being configured to the input object detected in the sensing region of described button assembly and has the first surface of the bottom surface covering keycap; And
Metallic substrate, it covers and second surface co-extensive that is basic and described capacitive transducer substrate, and described metallic substrate comprises the mating feature for being connected to translation mechanism.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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| US14/524043 | 2014-10-27 | ||
| US14/524,043 US9941879B2 (en) | 2014-10-27 | 2014-10-27 | Key including capacitive sensor |
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| CN105549755A true CN105549755A (en) | 2016-05-04 |
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Family Applications (1)
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| US (1) | US9941879B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN105549755A (en) |
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| CN106055118A (en) * | 2016-05-31 | 2016-10-26 | 邓俊生 | Keyboard with touch recognition, key and recognition method for user operations |
| CN108572751A (en) * | 2017-03-08 | 2018-09-25 | 罗技欧洲公司 | Improved integrated keypad for input unit |
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| US11474606B2 (en) | 2016-12-30 | 2022-10-18 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Pointing device |
| CN117270637A (en) | 2017-07-26 | 2023-12-22 | 苹果公司 | Computer with keyboard |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
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| US9941879B2 (en) | 2018-04-10 |
| US20160118982A1 (en) | 2016-04-28 |
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